Abstract: A microreactor assembly [100] is provided comprising a fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and plurality of fluidic microstructures. Interconnect input/output ports [12] of the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] are interfaced with microchannel input/output ports [14] of the fluidic microstructures at a plurality of non-polymeric interconnect seals [50]. Interconnect microchannels [15] are defined entirely by the fluidic interconnect backbone [10] and extend between the non-polymeric interconnect seals [50] without interruption by additional sealed interfaces. At least one of the fluidic microstractures [20, 30, 40] may comprise a mixing microstructure formed by a molding process. Another of the fluidic microstructures [20, 30, 40] may comprise an extruded reactor body. Still another fluidic microstructure [20, 30, 40] may comprise a quench-flow or hydrolysis microreactor formed by a hot-pressing method.

Abstract: An object of the invention is to provide a decomposing system for polyisocyanate residues that is capable of suppressing reaction of polyisocyanate residues with high temperature and high pressure water to allow smooth start-up of the operation, and a start-up method for the decomposing system for the polyisocyanate residues. The decomposing system is used for hydrolyzing the polyisocyanate residues to polyamine using high temperature and high pressure water, comprising a hydrolyzer, a water feed pipe connected to the hydrolyzer, a residual feed pipe connected to the water feed pipe, a solvent feed line for filling an organic solvent in a solvent filling portion of the residual feed pipe, and a solvent draining line. Upon start-up of the operation, the organic solvent is previously filled in the solvent filling portion via the solvent feed line and the solvent draining line, first, and then, the high temperature and high pressure water is fed from the water feed pipe to the hydrolyzer.

Abstract: Methods and systems for the synthesis of alcohol are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of olefins in water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time. In an embodiment, a method of making an alcohol comprises introducing an olefin into a water stream to form a gas-liquid stream. The method further comprises flowing the gas-liquid stream through a high shear device so as to form a dispersion with gas bubbles having a mean diameter less than about 1 micron. In addition, the method comprises contacting the gas-liquid stream with a catalyst in a reactor to hydrate the olefin gas and form an alcohol.

Abstract: Methods and systems for preparing alkylene glycols are described herein. The methods and systems incorporate the novel use of a high shear device to promote dispersion and solubility of alkylene oxides with water. The high shear device may allow for lower reaction temperatures and pressures and may also reduce reaction time.

Abstract: The invention relates to a plate (10a) intended to be integrated in a stack of plates in a heat exchanger system, the plate comprising a plurality of channels (38) distributed in rows (40), each row comprising side walls (42) arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a first direction (44), so that two directly consecutive side walls delimit one of the channels (38), the rows being arranged opposite one another and spaced apart from one another in a second direction (46) which is perpendicular to the first. Furthermore, in the fluid circulation zone (20) of the plate incorporating the channels (38), only the latter are coated with a catalyst allowing a chemical reaction.

Abstract: The present invention provides a system for stabilizing gas and particularly gas hydrates at low pressures and for safe storage and transportation of the gas. The invention also provides minimization of the decomposition of the gas in hydrate form.

Abstract: A hydrogen producing apparatus according to the present invention includes a hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1 for containing a hydrogen generating material, a water containing vessel 2 for containing water, a water supply portion for supplying water from the water containing vessel 2 to the hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1, a hydrogen outflow portion for leading out hydrogen from the hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1, a gas-liquid separating part 7 for separating water from a mixture of hydrogen and water discharged from the hydrogen-generating-material containing vessel 1, and a water collecting portion for collecting water separated by the gas-liquid separating part 7 into the water containing vessel 2.

Abstract: The present invention relates to a system and associated method for the production of gypsum in manufacturing plant. More specifically, the invention relates to the production of alpha-type gypsum in a gypsum board manufacturing plant. The system yields increased efficiencies by capturing heat given off during processing steps and using that heat to reduce the energy needed for calcination. The invention finds particular application in the production alpha-type gypsum. The present invention is described in greater detail hereinafter in conjunction with the following specific embodiments.

Abstract: A device for generating hydrogen by hydrolysis of a hydride comprising a reactor containing the hydride in solid form, in the divided state or not, and comprising at least one orifice for removing the hydrogen produced; means for releasing the water required for the hydrolysis reaction; and at least one envelope suitable for isolating the hydride from the water required for the hydrolysis reaction, the envelope being made from a consumable material. According to the present invention, the envelope is suitable for contacting the water with the hydride in a site capable of serving as the seat of the hydrolysis reaction and of moving in the reactor as the material constituting the envelope is consumed by the hydrolysis reaction products.

Abstract: An improved system for generating electrical power using a fuel cell. More particularly, a system for generating hydrogen gas by reacting water vapor with a substantially non-fluid substance and transporting the generated hydrogen gas to the fuel cell which generates electrical power. Reacting water vapor with the non-fluid hydrogen generating substance rather than liquid water prevents caking of the non-fluid substance and deposition of byproducts onto the non-fluid substance that interfere with continued generation of hydrogen gas. Also, a non-electrically actuated valve for use in a hydrogen gas generating apparatus which regulates the generation of hydrogen as required by the fuel cell.

Abstract: The invention provides a system for converting urea into reactants useful for removing NOX from industrial emissions. The system includes a urea inlet, a steam inlet, and a reactor in fluid communication with the urea inlet and the steam inlet. The reactor is configured and adapted to inject urea from the urea inlet into a steam flow from the steam inlet to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture. The invention also provides a method of converting urea into reactants for reducing NOX out of industrial emissions. The method includes injecting urea into a steam flow to convert the urea into at least one reactant for NOX reduction within a substantially gaseous mixture.

Abstract: Devices for hydrating materials, such as, for example, medical implant materials include a container body defining therein a hydration chamber. A barrier separates the chamber into a material holding area and a hydrating fluid bay and defines at least one aperture and is configured to allow passage of hydrating fluid from the hydrating fluid bay to the material holding area. In some embodiments, devices provided by the present application are operable for use in hydrating and delivering a material.

Abstract: Described is a method as well as an apparatus for hydration of a particulate or pulverulent material containing CaO. The method is peculiar in that water is added in a quantity which will ensure that the partial pressure PH2O of the added water as a function of the temperature (° C.) is maintained within the interval defined by the formula (I), where PH2O is the partial pressure of water vapour in atm. and T is the temperature in ° C. Hereby is obtained that the material particles do not lump into agglomerates, and that the particles are hydrated evenly from the outside and inwards so that it is the active surface of the material particles which undergoes hydration in connection with partial hydration. This is due to the fact that the liquid water will not get into contact with the material particles since the water will appear in vapour form within the specified interval.

Abstract: The present invention provides a reactor and gasification process for the continuous controlled production of hydrogen (H2) and a by-product synthesis gas (mixture of CO+H2+CO2), such a process called a hydrogen priority poly-generation process (HPPP). The reactor uses a circulating molten iron process, which is capable of gasifying a variety of carbonaceous materials including low rank coals and biomass. The process employs an iron steam oxidation-reduction cycle in a multi-chamber reactor including a multi-vessel reactor system, where in one compartment or vessel hydrogen is produced by steam oxidation of molten iron; and in a second compartment or vessel the iron is regenerated by carbon reduction of molten iron oxide thereby producing a by-product synthesis gas (CO+H2+CO2), and excess heat which can be used to produce steam, and in a third step the iron is purified before being returned to the steam oxidation step in the process.

Abstract: The present invention relates to an apparatus and a method for producing hydrogen gas. The hydrogen gas production apparatus of the present invention comprises a) a dielectric hollow tube, b) a means for maintaining the dielectric hollow tube to a reduced pressure, c) a microwave source that generates a microwave, d) a waveguide coupled to the microwave source that applies the microwave to the dielectric hollow tube, e) a gas supply source that supplies a hydrogen element-containing gas into the dielectric hollow tube, wherein the hydrogen element-containing gas supplied into the dielectric hollow tube undergoes plasma discharge with aid of the microwave from the waveguide and produces reaction products including hydrogen gas through intramolecular bond breakage rather than heat decomposition, by collision of an electron produced by the plasma discharge with the hydrogen element-containing gas, and f) a separator that separates the hydrogen gas from the reaction products.

Abstract: A method of supplying steam and a hydrogen feedstock to a primary process for producing synthesis gas includes, in a reformer of a secondary process which comprises a plurality of catalyst containing reforming passages, combusting a fuel to heat all of the reforming passages, whilst producing a hot synthesis gas by reforming a hydrocarbonaceous gas in the presence of process steam in some of the catalyst containing reforming passages only. The hot synthesis gas is cooled to produce steam which is supplied to the primary process. The cooled synthesis gas is treated to produce a hydrogen feedstock which is supplied to the primary process. The reforming passages not producing hot synthesis gas are cooled by passing a cooling medium through them and the hot synthesis gas exiting some of the reforming passages is separated from the cooling medium exiting other reforming passages.

Abstract: An apparatus, system, and method are disclosed to generate hydrogen. A liquid permeable material with one or more cavities contains a solid anhydrous chemical hydride and an anhydrous activating agent. A housing that is heat and pressure resistant houses the liquid permeable material, and a liquid. One or more liquid sources inject the liquid into the housing such that the liquid contacts at least a portion of the liquid permeable material. A gas outlet port releases hydrogen gas produced by a reaction comprising the solid anhydrous chemical hydride, the anhydrous activating agent, and the liquid. A hydrogen output regulator controls the amount of hydrogen gas that the gas outlet port releases.

Abstract: An improved system for slaking of lime which does not rely on the weighing of materials delivered to the vessel where the mixing takes place. A control system is utilized to control the volume of lime and water delivered to insure that a preselected temperature is obtained during the chemical reaction in the vessel. In a batch process the volume of lime and water is controlled based on the temperature sensed to maintain the temperature at the desired level. Once the reaction is complete the resultant slurry is discharged from the vessel for further processing. The vessel is then cleansed and prepared for the next batch.

Abstract: In a shell-and-tube type reactor, the leakage between the upper and lower chambers is substantially decreased by tightly fitting the reaction tubes to the shield. The present invention provides a reactor for use in catalytic gas phase oxidation characterized by expanding reaction tubes to at least one groove formed in the reaction tube-fixing part of an intermediate tube sheet to form a shield, thereby forming plural of chambers with the intermediate tube sheet, and forming an expansion joint around the periphery of each of the chambers.

Abstract: Disclosed is apparatus and method for controlled surface plasmon resonance analysis having a surface plasmon resonance sensor (200) with a derivatized surface plasmon layer (116) in optical communication with the sensor, derivatizing the surface plasmon layer and placing an analyte detection chamber (102) in fluid communication with the derivatized surface plasmon layer. The chamber is adapted (118, 120) for the generation of a molecular interaction bias across the chamber. A conjugate is provided between an analyte and a bias responsive element, wherein the analyte is reactive with the derivatized surface plasmon layer and the bias responsive element changes the response of the analyte to the molecular interaction bias. A conjugated analyte may be introduced into the chamber, generating a molecular interaction.

Abstract: A compact solid source of hydrogen gas, where the gas is generated by contacting water with micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in the presence of a catalyst, such as cobalt or ruthenium. The micro-disperse particles can have a substantially uniform diameter of 1-10 microns, and preferably about 3-5 microns. Ruthenium or cobalt catalytic nanoparticles can be incorporated in the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride, which allows a rapid and complete reaction to occur without the problems associated with caking and scaling of the surface by the reactant product sodium metaborate. A closed loop water management system can be used to recycle wastewater from a PEM fuel cell to supply water for reacting with the micro-disperse particles of sodium borohydride in a compact hydrogen gas generator. Capillary forces can wick water from a water reservoir into a packed bed of micro-disperse fuel particles, eliminating the need for using an active pump.

Abstract: A continuous preparation of calcium hydroxide slurry can be made on a mobile apparatus that uses an eductor to initially combine metered flows of calcium oxide and water. The calcium hydroxide slurry is retained in a deaerating sump and then pumped into a serpentine centrifugal mixer so that the reaction of the calcium oxide and the water is safely complete. Because the apparatus allows the calcium hydroxide slurry to be recirculated into the deaerating sump, the slaking process can continue even when it is necessary to pause the discharge of slurry to change transport tankers.

Abstract: An automated apparatus for introducing a mixed liquid base (lime) in a first container or tank (106, 106A) into a biological sludge in a second container (110, 110A and 110B) is described. The second container is used to house the sludge for a short period of time (2 to 12 hours) and then the liquid sludge is sent to a storage tank (112) for a longer period of time (6 months). The system (100) enables flushing of the lime supply conduits (108, 108A and 108B) with water to prevent clogging. The treated sludge is applied to soil as a fertilizer.

Abstract: Disclosed is an apparatus for supplying hydrogen chloride gas from a hydrogen chloride gas generator to an absorbing reactor through a gas supply pipe, and a method for producing hydrochloric acid by allowing the gas absorbed in water in an absorbing reactor. The apparatus obtains a large amount of high purity hydrochloric acid having extremely low impurity concentration with a simple system. The inner wall of the gas supply pipe is constructed with such materials from which impurities are not eluted by hydrochloric acid at least to the position of the wall which is reached by the backward flow or splash of produced hydrochloric acid, vapor of the hydrochloric acid or water in an absorbing reactor.

Abstract: The test kit includes a substrate and, welded or bonded thereto, a plastic sheet having blisters. One of the blisters is shaped as a siphon. The other blisters act as reaction vessels and also serve to receive and store a reagent. The test kit may contain a test strip in one of the blisters. The test kit is particularly suited for carrying out immunological tests, whereby the siphon markedly facilitates the procedure during the washing step.

Abstract: A method for aging steel-making slag comprising the steps of charging normal temperature steel-making slag crushed to the extent that the slag having a grain diameter of 25 mm or less which constitutes 80% or more of the total amount into a pressure vessel which can be closed tight enough to seal a pressure substantially higher than atmosphere. The pressure vessel is closed and pressureized steam is supplied into the said vessel for heating the said pressure vessel and slag to raise the temperature and the pressure in the said pressure vessel while discharging condensed hot water. The interior of the vessel is kept under a condition saturated by steam and pressurized up to 2 to 10 kg/cm.sup.2 G for 1 to 5 hours. The pressure in the pressure vessel is reduced to be equalized with atmosphere. The steel-making slag is then discharged from the vessel. Apparatus is provided for carrying out the above process and includes a pressure vessel having an opening lid for charging and discharging steel-making slag.

Abstract: Improved device for slaking of lime, comprising a slaker (10) which is connected to a lime silo (24) and a conveyor (30) for supply of lime, equipped with a motor driven mixer (14) with a specially designed mixing organ. Through pipeline with exit valve the slaker is connected to a distribution tank. An improved process for slaking of lime, using the above-mentioned device and process steps comprising transfer of lime under conveyor (30) from the silo (24) for feeding in weighed quantities into the slaker (10), feeding of weighed water quantities into the slaker for treatment in intervals by means of the mixer (14) and subsequent transfer of the finished lime mixer into the distribution tank. The slaking process is automated and takes place under constant supervision, and the slaking device's regulating valves are controlled by respective, connected limit switches.

Abstract: The grit conveyance system of a classifier having a wash region above the liquid layer is provided with a vacuum means in the wash region for positive removal of liquids through a metal screen for disposal.

Abstract: A compact lime slaker has an inner vessel forming an initial slaking chamber disposed in an outer vessel forming a final slaking chamber, with agitators provided In both chambers. Slaked lime from the final slaking chamber is pumped to a collection trough where slaked lime and grit are removed therefrom, while a major portion of slaked lime, with grit removed is returned to the final slaking chamber. The slaked lime in the final slaking chamber, at an elevated temperature due to the slaking exotherm, insulates the lime being slaked in the initial slaking chamber and provides heat thereto to aid in the initial slaking. Removal of grit from the portion of slaked lime recycled to the final slaking chamber prevents clogging or attrition of components of the slaker.

Abstract: A lime hydrating plant is provided with an external cooler 16 in which the rawer solids portion which is recirculated into a return flow fluidizer 2 (hydrater) is cooled outside the hydrater. This means that less water has to be atomized into the return flow fluidizer 2 than by known plants in order to keep the adequate temperature essential for the hydrating process. Thus dew point decrease may be avoided and a highly reactive hydrated lime may be produced.

Abstract: In a chlorine hydrate tank wherein a chlorine gas supply pipe is inserted into a tank holding chilled water therein and chlorine gas in blown into the water through the pipe to form a chlorine hydrate, a hollow cylinder having an opening in an upper-side portion thereof is arranged around the chlorine gas supply pipe so as to form a predetermined gap therebetween so that the upper opening of the cylinder is partially or entirely submerged in the water.

Abstract: A lime processing apparatus has a transportable base and a reaction vessel mounted on the base. The reaction vessel has an inlet end for receiving a pressurized flow of water and lime and has a discharge end. A mechanical agitator is rotatably mounted within the vessel interior for mixing the water and the lime within the vessel to form a slurry product and to move the slurry product through the vessel to continuously discharge product from the discharge end. An elevator mechanism on the transportable base elevates the discharge end of the reaction vessel whereby any unreacted solids in the slurry product are collected at the inlet end for removal through a solids discharge conduit.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for producing a directed aerosol stream from gaseous and/or vapor phase reactants by conveying the reactants to a reaction site, reacting the reactants at the reaction site in a flame free chemical reaction to produce an aerosol composition, and causing the aerosol composition to flow from the reaction site and immediately surrounding the aerosol composition with a moving, essentially aerosol free gas and/or vapor stream to form a directed aerosol stream enveloped in the aerosol free stream, in which the step of conveying includes conducting each reactant through a respective distributor and then through a discharge element having a substantially higher flow resistance than the distributor in a substantially vertical upward direction to the reaction site, and the step of causing is carried out so that the aerosol composition flows in a substantially vertical upward direction.

Abstract: A lime slaking system for hydration of lime and removal of unwanted grit, particularly for formation of reactive slaked lime to be used in SO.sub.2 scrubbing of effluent gases, comprising a series of slaking vessels (10, 12) for reacting CaO and water while agitating the reactants, a dilution mix tank (14) receiving a viscous slaked lime slurry from the vessels, diluent for the dilution tank comprising an upstream classifier overflow stream (16), a cyclone (19) receiving pumped diluted slurry from tank (14), the overflow (21) of the cyclone providing usable slaked lime product and the underflow (22) exiting to the upstream classifier (24) where grit materials are separated and removed. Dilution for effective classification is provided by spent scrubbing process water containing appreciable sulfate ions.

Abstract: A lime slaking system for hydration of lime and removal of unwanted grit, particularly for formation of reactive slaked lime to be used in SO.sub.2 scrubbing of effluent gases, comprising a series of slaking vessels (10,12) for reacting CaO and water while agitating the reactants, a dilution mix tank (14) receiving a viscous slaked lime slurry from the vessels, diluent for the dilution tank comprising an upstream classifier overflow stream (16), a cyclone (19) receiving pumped diluted slurry from tank (14), the overflow (21) of the cyclone providing usable slaked lime product and the underflow (22) exiting to the upstream classifier 24 where grit materials are separated and removed. Dilution for effective classification is provided by spent scrubbing process water containing appreciable sulfate ions.

Abstract: A process for the hydrolysis of cellulose from vegetable raw materials to glucose, particularly using wood as the raw material, comprises conveying the raw material through a hydrolysis zone in finely comminuted form, the raw material being impregnated with dilute acid and at a sufficiently high hydrolysis temperature. The raw material impregnated with dilute acid is supplied in portions and continuously through the hydrolysis zone where it is heated to a hydrolysis temperature of above 250.degree. C. by means of high pressure steam. This takes place in an extremely short time accompanied by a sudden pressure rise.Apparatus for performing this process comprises a tubular reactor having at least one straight pipe through which can be conveyed an endless piston chain. The pistons of this chain form a leakage gap opposite the inner wall of the pipe and, in each case, two adjacent pistons define a piston chamber. A high pressure steam line is arranged to issue approximately into the center of the pipe.

Abstract: The invention is an improved lime slaker in which the lime is combined with the slaking liquor in a vertical conduit which extends below the level of the liquor in the slaker vessel. The slaking liquor is introduced into the conduit at a high velocity tangential to the interior surface of the conduit to flush the lime into the vessel. The slaker includes a vertical vent pipe that extends through the bottom of the vessel. In a preferred embodiment, the inlet of the vent pipe is surrounded by an entrainment separator. Removable covers permit convenient access for inspection and cleaning of the conduit and the vent pipe.

Abstract: This invention relates to an apparatus for the continuous preparation of aqueous solution of slaked lime solids with fresh water. The apparatus comprises a main vessel having an inverted truncated cone including a smallest and closed bottom. There is provided a dispenser for supplying material slaked lime solids to said main vessel at or nearly at the top end thereof from above, and a constant headed fresh water reservoir for supplying fresh water to the main vessel at a place selected therein in close proximity to the smallest bottom through a piping. A flow rate adjusting means is arranged in this piping. At least a mechanical or fluid agitator is provided at a close proximity to the vessel bottom. Means for the take-up of the formed product solution in an overflowing manner from the main vessel is provided at the top thereof.

Abstract: An improved lime slaking system including agitator means effective for mechanical comminution of particulate lime during the hydration thereof.

Abstract: Apparatus for producing a homogeneous, chemically reactive system of a starting material of highly viscous or pasty consistency, and at least one further reaction partner which is added to the starting material to chemically treat the starting material. The apparatus includes a substantially vertically oriented vessel having a cylindrical interior side wall and a frontal face at the top of the vessel. An inlet opening is provided for the starting material to be treated and an inlet opening is provided for each of the other reaction partners. The inlet openings are disposed in the frontal face of the vessel, are arranged in close juxtaposition when seen in the circumferential direction, and are in the vicinity of the interior wall of the vessel. A driven rotor, studded with a plurality of blades, is coaxially arranged in the interior of said vessel. The rotor has a first ring of blades which is arranged so that it scrapes over the openings of the inlet openings in the form of a knife edge.

Abstract: A hydrolysis column, used to hydrolyze uranium hexafluoride gas with water in an ammonium diuranate conversion process, which includes a pipe having a water inlet, a connector inserted in the pipe intermediate its length, and a gas nozzle connected to the connector to feed uranium hexafluoride gas into the water. Since the uranium hexafluoride gas will freeze at 147.degree. F, the gas nozzle is heated by steam which flows through internal passageways, thus imparting sufficient heat to the nozzle which then acts as a heat sink to maintain the gas in a fluid state. The gas-water mixture is then discharged through the pipe outlet to the next step in the process.